21 and counting! Lionel Messi extends remarkable record but remains behind Ronaldo

Messi scored the second goal for Argentina in the 5-0 win over Zambia, marking his 116th international goal in 198 appearances, and his first strike of 2026.

The goal extended his extraordinary streak to 21 consecutive years of scoring for Argentina since his senior debut in 2005.

He failed to find the net in his first six appearances that year but has scored at least once every calendar year since 2006, a testament to his remarkable longevity and consistency.

Messi now sits second on the all-time list for consecutive scoring years.

Cristiano Ronaldo leads with an unmatched 22 straight years for Portugal, while Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edin Džeko occupies third place with 20 years.

Robbie Keane and Robert Lewandowski follow with 19 years each.

Messi’s most prolific year came in 2022, when he bagged 18 goals, including seven at the Qatar World Cup, followed by 12 goals in 2012.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, has amassed 143 international goals in 226 appearances for Portugal, having scored in every year since 2004.

Messi will now shift his attention to helping Argentina defend their World Cup title, while Ronaldo will be chasing his first, in what will undoubtedly be the last World Cup appearance for both legends.